Guest Author - D. Lynn Byrne, Ph.D.
October is here and that means we're just about half-way through the fall semester. Already, signs of that dreaded syndrome, "Midterm Madness," are creeping up all around campus.
What is Midterm Madness?
Midterm Madness is an umbrella syndrome. The term is often used to cover all pre-exam traumatic stress disorders.
Symptoms of Midterm Madness
Typical symptoms include: an intense craving for caffeine, sugar and other substances that will help you stay awake to study 24/7; an unnatural desire to chew pens or pencils; a desperate need to make stacks, and stacks of notes (and/or borrow notes from others); a distinct aversion to sunlight (resulting from living in the library 24/7); an unhealthy/sallow complexion and dark, undereye circles (due to lack of sleep); a head of mussed/unkempt hair (from running your fingers through it constantly); possible feelings of nervousness, jitteriness, and panic (lack of sleep and too much caffeine/sugar); and general withdrawl (you're living in the library, away from friends).
Is Midterm Madness Contagious?
Midterm Madness is highly contagious! The syndrome is most common among undergraduate students; but first- and sometimes second-year graduate students are extremely susceptible to the syndrome.
Is Midterm Madness Treatable?
Unfortunately, there is no know treatment for this syndrome. The syndrome lasts anywhere from one to two weeks (depending on the level of fear and/or anxiety created by the upcoming exams). Symptoms generally dissipate as soon as midterms are completed.
How Can You Alleviate the Symptoms of Midterm Madness?
Plan for your midterms well in advance--don't leave studying until the last minute. Study in short doses. Eat properly. Try and sleep. Avoid studying in crowds. Limit your library time. Make certain you have adequate exposure to daylight. Limit consumption of caffeine, sugar or other substances that induce bouts of hyperactivity. Finally, plan to spend some time with friends and family.
Most importantly, believe in yourself! You will pass that exam. You will survive to see another day.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
